Freeview issues, Humax PVR-9150T

[richardblack]

Hi everbody. Last christmas we got a Humax PVR-9150T freeview box, last couple of months we've been getting problems that seem to stem from the signal. From rummaging around on the net it seems that we might actually have too strong a signal. Has anybody else had this problem?

[ianr]

Not me. I have a plain freeview box and indoor aerial. Only occasional problems are due to signal deterioration.

Why should the problem have manifested itself now? The power increase isn't due to happen until the switch over ? next year.

You can apparently check the signal yourself, via the System menu. From the manual:

12.2 Signal Detection

You can view the signal strength and signal quality of the channel that is currently on AV.

Select Signal Detection using the / button and press the OK or button.

I see that the Humax also has an Antenna Power On setting, meaning, I gather, that the device itself supplies power to active antenna that need power. It might be worth checking whether you've got it inadvertently switched on, or off, depending on what type of antenna you're using.

Otherwise I'd be inclined to suspect interference. From the manual troubleshooting section:

3. Poor picture/sound quality

? Install the antenna in an obstacle-free place.

? Make sure there is no mobile phone or microwave oven near the product.

? Adjust the antenna direction to get the better picture.

? Set the antenna power in menu to On, if you use the active antenna to improve the reception. (where

applicable)

[AllanMcPR]

I bought one in John Lewis with a one year guarantee, I haven't had any problems so far,the only thing was it didn't came with the instructions but I manage to go through everything, everything is fine now.

[richardblack]

Stuff that my wife seems to have read up on online seems to suggest that the signal is too strong. We have a real problem receiving some channels now such as several of the BBC ones, film 4 etc. All the stuff online also seems to suggest that you don't want to have the arial power on. Just completely confused by it all frankly as it worked perfectly for 8 months and now we're getting problems with it. Tried it with two different arials as well.

[*Bob*]

If the signal really is too strong (no idea if it is) then you can buy a variable attenuator which tames the signal.

Feast your eyes on this..

http://www.maplin.co.uk/variable-aerial-attenuator-223051?c=froogle&u=223051&t=module

[richardblack]

Thanks for the link *Bob* might give that a try. apparently your signal strength is only meant to be in the 70-80% strength and ours is up at 100%.

[ed_pete]

Again don't really see how this is East Dulwich related however ?PoP?s advice is spot on. Had the same problem myself and a variable attenuator sorted it for me.

[the-e-dealer]

Its a Freeview reception problem in East Dulwich isnt it?

I am P Rye end of Friern and have no problem with reception.

I am a sworn Humax fan . No problems with fview HD etc etc. Their Kit does age though and after 3 or four years start having little tantrums.

[ruffers]

I might be wrong but have a vague recollection of talk of boosting the freeview signal as the old analogue gets turned off.

[ianr]

Trying attenuation sounds a good idea if you're getting that signal strength. I'm just a bit surprised that I don't recollect seing anyone previously reporting the same problem. I guess you've got a good line of sight to Crystal Palace and good equipment.

[mynamehere]

Has anyone used the variable aerial attenuator recommended by *Bob* to get a better/ clearer transmission? This seems to be the problem I am having as well.

[TheArtfulDogger]

I had problems with my Humax up until a year ago, when i realisd that the cable running from the arial to the box had degraded over the years (it runs down the outside of the house) so put a new cable in and it solved the problem.

Best way to check is if the problem is with the Humax and the TV when the arial cable is plugged into each in turn. If it is just one or the other then that may point to faulty equipment, otherwise try replacing the cable and seeing if that helps.

[ianr]

Any feedback on whether an attenuator helped?

[Bic Basher]

Depending on where in ED you live, an indoor aerial should be fine. I use them on the two tv sets and for the Freeview USB stick on my desktop and receive all channels.

[the-e-dealer]

Well I know a Hum ax will tell you how many channels as that's what I have- so whats the

score BB?